A Prosperous Application of Hydrogels With Extracellular Vesicles Release for Traumatic Brain Injury

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, becoming a heavy burden to the family and society. However, the complexity of the brain and the existence of blood-brain barrier (BBB) do limit most therapeutics effects through simple intravascular injection. Hence, an effective therapy promoting neurological recovery is urgently required. Although limited spontaneous recovery of function post-TBI does occur, increasing evidence indicates that exosomes derived from stem cells promote these endogenous processes. The advantages of hydrogels for transporting drugs and stem cells to target injured sites have been discussed in multitudinous studies. Therefore, the combined employment of hydrogels and exosomes for TBI is worthy of further study. Herein, we review current research associated with the application of hydrogels and exosomes for TBI. We also discuss the possibilities and advantages of exosomes and hydrogels co-therapies after TBI.

Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell‐derived exosome suppresses programmed cell death in traumatic brain injury via PINK1/Parkin‐mediated mitophagy

“…Exosome readily crosses the BBB and has the potential to specifically deliver molecules to CNS 11 . Recently, studies have revealed the effective role of exosome in the diagnosis and treatments of CNS diseases such as TBI 15 …”

“…11 Recently, studies have revealed the effective role of exosome in the diagnosis and treatments of CNS diseases such as TBI. 15 It has been shown that HucMSC could provide neuroprotection after TBI. 16 However, the role of HucMSC-derived exosome in TBI has not been fully studied.…”

Extracellular vesicle-loaded hydrogels for tissue repair and regeneration

“…Low-rigidity hydrogels with conductive properties have great potential as they can be specifically adapted for neuroelectrophysiology and biomechanics [ 26 ]. However, it is important to note that the swelling properties of hydrogels require special attention when applied to the central nervous system (CNS); because CNS injuries are often accompanied by tissue edema, the high swelling properties of hydrogels can lead to increased intracranial pressure and consequent secondary injury after hydrogel injection [ 226 ].…”

Injectable Hydrogels for Nervous Tissue Repair—A Brief Review

“…The brain is a complex tissue of the central nervous system which has the function of integrating and regulating signals and information in the nervous system along with the spinal cord [ 40 ]. Patients with traumatic brain injury are susceptible to permanent neurological deficits, which influence their daily lives [ 68 ]. Traumatic brain injury can be classified into primary injury and secondary injury.…”